Barcelona aims to loan Manchester United's rising star as a replacement for Gavi, who has already started learning Spanish! Rumors of a De Jong swap resurface.

Having already loaned Manchester United striker Rashford this season, Barcelona is reportedly considering signing another United academy talent, 20-year-old Kobe Meno, in January. This English youngster might push for a move away from Old Trafford again next year.

Since Ruben Amorim became coach, Meno's progress at Manchester United has stalled because he is not suited to the 3-4-3 system. This season, Meno has only played 76 minutes across five Premier League matches, less than a full game. This is a stark contrast to the Ten Hag era when he was a regular starter, scored the winning goal in the FA Cup final against Manchester City, and was selected for England’s Euro squad, starting in the final.

Currently, Meno has lost his place at Manchester United and was omitted from Tuchel’s England squad. He requested a loan move during the summer transfer window, but the board rejected it. However, if he continues to get limited playing time under Amorim, the Red Devils' rising star is likely to push for a transfer again in the January window.

According to Spain’s "Fichajes" transfer site, with Barcelona’s 21-year-old academy midfielder Gavi sidelined for several months due to a serious injury, Flick may try to bring in Meno to address the issue. Gavi is known for his high intensity, strong pressing, and versatility across the pitch, making him hard to replace. However, Barcelona believes Meno can quickly adapt to this style. Negotiations between Barcelona and Manchester United may take place in the coming weeks.

Spanish outlet "Mundo Deportivo" has even speculated about a player swap deal involving Meno and Barcelona’s Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who is well-known to Manchester United. During Ten Hag’s tenure, the Red Devils were eager to sign the Ajax star. Barcelona agreed to an offer, but after a three-month transfer saga, De Jong ultimately stayed at Camp Nou.

Former Manchester United chief scout Mike Brown said that if De Jong cannot renew his contract with Barcelona, Amorim might consider signing him. The 28-year-old Dutch international fits well with the Red Devils’ manager’s tactical approach.

"Manchester United did try to sign De Jong in the past," Brown said. "They showed interest when he was at Ajax, but he chose Barcelona. Later, United tried to bring him from Barcelona but never closed a deal. De Jong is an excellent player, as seen in Newcastle’s Champions League performances, where he stood out. So, it wouldn’t be surprising if United remains interested. Amorim believes he can bring the needed organization to midfield, which is clearly lacking at United right now. Everyone knows Amorim wants a new midfielder, and he would approve of De Jong."

But Manchester United fans are surely concerned about being used as pawns again in the De Jong-Barcelona saga. Brown explained, "Whether the deal happens depends on Barcelona. De Jong has supported Barcelona since childhood and would only consider leaving if contract renewal issues arise. It seems to depend on his own decision. If he wants to move, he will weigh his options, and United will definitely be among them. But he is more likely to decide to stay in Barcelona."

If loaned to Barcelona, Meno is believed to be open to the move. He has been learning Spanish for a while, which will help him adapt to La Liga. Reportedly, Meno’s best friend was Ganacho, who was born in Madrid and trained at Atletico Madrid’s academy. Thus, when Meno was injured two years ago, he spent a lot of time learning Spanish. Another close friend, Amad Diallo, also speaks Spanish.

To this day, Meno and Ganacho remain close friends and share the same agent. The UK’s "The Sun" revealed that Meno has better relationships with foreign teammates at Manchester United than with English players. Currently, his closest teammate is French defender Lenny Yaro. However, Meno has not learned French because Yaro speaks fluent English.